What will today bring? In her latest book TODAY, in her natural and effortless way, Julie Morstad shows us the beauty of the quotidian, its moments of whimsy and its potential to surprise us with something extraordinary. But how? She helps us revel in the possibilities of today. What should we wear? What should we eat for breakfast? Porridge or pizza? Where should we go? For a walk in the woods or to the museum? How will we get there? By bike or dancing our way there? She reminds us that each day is remarkable in its own right.

Julie's work resonates with children and adults alike. Hers are the stories full of wonder that you read to your kids at bedtime and are the same ones that you want to sit down with on your own and linger over, during those last quiet moments of the long day, well after your kids have drifted off to sleep.

Julie graciously stopped by to chat for a bit and answer five questions for us.

How do you come up with ideas for the books that you author and illustrate?

A lot of ideas come from my kids and the other kids I know. The way they see things. I also get inspired by everyday things like leaves on the ground, or the moon … random thoughts, art and textiles.

I have alway loved picture books as a medium. I had a son quite young and we spent a lot of time at the library. I learned a lot about illustrators by hunting through the library sale tables…treasure!!

What’s a day in the life like for you?

1. Get the kids to school

2. Get down to work! I work from home so I have to try hard to stay focused in my house!

Any new projects that you're working on that you can tell us about?

I’m working on a new book with Kyo Maclear (we made Julia, Child together). It's a picture book bio about Elsa Schiaparelli, the great 20th century fashion designer. It's super fun.

Thank you, Julie, for stopping by! You can see Julie’s beautiful work on her site and keep up with her latest on Instagram.